The 5 Women Reshaping How We Work in 2026

BY MARIAPAULA GONZALEZ, EDITORIAL INTERN

From left to right: Susan Levine, Jacqueline Samira, Helen Stefan, Deborah Hanus, Upeka Bee. Illustration: Inc.; Photos: Courtesy subjects

Creating a positive workplace is no simple task these days. Companies are navigating mounting layoffs and shrinking benefits, while economic uncertainty forces leaders to rethink how teams operate and what employees expect from their jobs.

That’s where a new wave of human resources startups is stepping in. From tools that help managers handle payroll and people operations, like AI-backed HR-as-a-service company Diana HR—to platforms that help streamline hiring and benefits, such as Career Group Companies and The Midtown Group—these companies are helping businesses adapt to a rapidly changing workplace while staying focused on growth.

Below are the five 2026 Female Founders 500 honorees shaping today’s workplace:

1. Susan Levine from Career Group Companies

Los Angeles, California

How Canva Became the Power Player in the AI Design Wars

For expanding the recruitment firm into Canada and Mexico and achieving 95 percent retention on direct hire placements.

2. Upeka Bee from DianaHR

San Francisco, California

For doubling revenue every quarter since launching an AI-backed HR-as-a-service platform for small to midsize businesses.

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